The Muses The Muses See More The Muses Pictures > The Muses were the Greek goddesses of inspiration in literature, science and the arts. They were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (the personification of memory), and they were also considered water nymphs. Some scholars believed that the Muses were primordial goddesses, daughters of the Titans Uranus and Gaea . Personifications of knowledge and art, some of the arts of the Muses included Music, Science, Geography, Mathematics, Art, and Drama. They were usually invoked at the beginning of various lyrical poems, such as in the Homeric epics; this happened so that the Muses give inspiration or speak through the poet's words.

There were nine Muses according to Hesiod, protecting a different art and being symbolised with a different item; Calliope (epic poetry - writing tablet), Clio (history - scroll), Euterpe (lyric poetry - aulos, a Greek flute), Thalia (comedy and pastoral poetry - comic mask), Melpomene (tragedy - tragic mask), Terpsichore (dance - lyre), Erato (love poetry - cithara, a Greek type of lyre), Polyhymnia (sacred poetry - veil), and Urania (astronomy - globe and compass). On the other hand, Varro mentions that only three Muses exist: Melete (practice), Mneme (memory) and Aoide (song). According to a myth, King Pierus of Macedon named his nine daughters after the Muses, thinking that they were better skilled than the goddesses themselves. As a result, his daughters, the Pierides, were transformed into magpies. The Muses Is also called Muse.

Muses in Greek Mythology- the Ancient Greek Muse Erato Category: Muses Erato was the Muse of lyric love poetry, hymns and wedding songs Erato was the Muse and defender of love affairs and its said that she was the one who actually invented the art of dancing. Erato is mostly depicted seated, wearing a wreath of roses on her head and holding a guitar (or a lyre) and a bow of love in her hands. According to the ancient Greek writer Apollonius of Rhodes, Erato had the grace of Aphrodite and brought magic to unmarried girls. Search ERATO - Greek Goddess Muse of Erotic Poetry & Mime ERATO Lovely, Beloved Portraits of the nine Muses, Greco-Roman mosaic from Cos, Archaeological Museum of Cos ERATO was one of the nine Mousai (Muses), the goddesses of music, song and dance. In the Classical era, when the Mousai were assigned specific literary and artistic spheres, Erato was named Muse of erotic poetry and mime, and represented with a lyre. Her name means "lovely" or "beloved" from the Greek word eratos.

FAMILY OF ERATO ZEUS & MNEMOSYNE (Hesiod Theogony 75, Apollodorus 1.13, Diodorus Siculus 4.7.1, Orphic Hymn 76) OFFSPRING KLEOPHEME (by Malos) (Isyllus Hymn to Asclepius) CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES Hesiod, Theogony 75 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "The Mousai (Muses) sang who dwell on Olympos, nine daughters begotten by great Zeus, Kleio (Clio) and Euterpe, Thaleia (Thalia), Melpomene and Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), and Erato and Polymnia (Polyhymnia) and Ourania (Urania) and Kalliope (Calliope)." Isyllus, Hymn to Asclepius (trans. Frazer, Vol.

Apollodorus) (Greek poet C4th or 3rd B.C.) : "Father Zeus bestowed the hand of the Mousa (Muse) Erato on Malos [eponymous lord of Malea] in holy matrimony (hosioisi gamois.) The pair had a daughter Kleophema (Cleophema), who married Phlegyas, a native of Epidauros (Epidaurus); and Phlegyas had by her a daughter Aigle (Aegle), otherwise known as Koronis (Coronis), whom Phoibos (Phoebus) [Apollon] of the golden bow beheld in the house of her grandfather Malos, and falling in love he got by her a child, Asklepios (Asclepius)." [N.B. This hymn was engraved on a limestone tablet unearthed at the shrine of Asklepios in Epidauros. According to the inscription the poet consulted the Delphic Oracle for approval before publishing this genealogy of the god Asklepios.] Plato, Phaedrus 259 (trans.

Fowler) (Greek philosopher C4th B.C.) : "When they [the grasshoppers] die they go and inform the Mousai (Muses) in heaven who honours them on earth. They win the love of Terpsikhore (Terpsichore) for the dancers by their report of them; of Erato for the lovers." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 13 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Mnemosyne [bore to Zeus] the Mousai (Muses), the eldest of whom was Kalliope (Calliope), followed by Kleio (Clio), Melpomene, Euterpe, Erato, Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), Ourania (Urania), Thaleia (Thalia), and Polymnia." Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 3. 1 ff (trans.

Rieu) (Greek epic C3rd B.C.) : "[The poet invokes the Muse Erato as he begins the tale of the love of Jason and Medea :] Come, Erato, come lovely Mousa (Muse), stand by me and take up the tale. How did Medea's passion help Iason (Jason) to bring back the fleece to Iolkos (Iolcus)." Strabo, Geography 8. 30. 20 (trans. Jones) (Greek geographer C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "And further, the poem entitled Rhadine--of which Stesikhoros (Stesichorus) [poet C7th-6th B.C.] is reputed to be the author--, which begins, ‘Come, thou clear-voiced Mousa (Muse), Erato, begin thy song, voicing to the tune of thy lovely lyre the strain of the children of Samos.’" Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 7. 1 (trans.

Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) : "Hesiod even gives their [the Mousai's (Muses')] names when he writes : ‘Kleio, Euterpe, and Thaleia, Melpomene, Terpsikhore and Erato, and Polymnia, Ourania, Kalliope too, of them all the most comely.’ To each of the Mousai (Muses) men assign her special aptitude for one of the branches of the liberal arts, such as poetry, song, pantomimic dancing, the round dance with music, the study of the stars, and the other liberal arts . . . For the name of each Mousa (Muse), they say, men have found a reason appropriate to her: . . . Erato, because she makes those who are instructed by her men who are desired and worthy to be loved." Orphic Hymn 76 to the Muses (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "Daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus . . .

Kleio (Clio), and Erato who charms the sight, with thee, Euterpe, ministering delight : Thalia flourishing, Polymnia famed, Melpomene from skill in music named : Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), Ourania (Urania) heavenly bright." Ovid, Fasti 4. 190 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "I [the poet] have much to ask [of Rhea] ‘Give me, goddess, someone to interview.’ Cybele saw her erudite granddaughters [the Mousai (Muses)] and made them help . . . So Erato--Cytherea's [Aphrodite's] month [April] fell to her, since she is named from tender love." Propertius, Elegies 3. 3 (trans. Goold) (Roman elegy C1st B.C.) : "The nine Maidens, each allotted her own realm, busy their tender hands on their separate gifts : . . . another [Erato] with both hands plaits wreaths of roses [i.e.

the flower of love]." ANCIENT GREEK & ROMAN ART Z20.2 Portraits of the Nine Muses Greco-Roman Cos Floor Mosaic A.D. Z20.3 Portraits of the Nine Muses Greco-Roman Trier Mosaic C3rd A.D. Z20.4 Symbols of the Nine Muses Greek Elis Floor Mosaic C1st B.C. SOURCES The Nine Muses Arts and Entertainment > Mythology The Nine Muses The Nine Muses were Greek goddesses who ruled over the arts and sciences and offered inspiration in those subjects. They were the daughters of Zeus, lord of all gods, and Mnemosyne , who represented memory. Memory was important for the Muses because in ancient times, when there were no books, poets had to carry their work in their memories. Calliope was the muse of epic poetry. Clio was the muse of history. Erato was the muse of love poetry. Euterpe was the muse of music. Melpomene was the muse of tragedy. Polyhymnia was the muse of sacred poetry. Terpsichore was the muse of dance. Thalia was the muse of comedy. Urania was the muse of astronomy.

Muse | Greek mythology | Britannica.com Greek mythology Alternative Titles: Moisa, Mousa, Musa Related Topics Terpsichore Muse, Greek Mousa or Moisa, Latin Musa, in Greco-Roman religion and mythology, any of a group of sister goddesses of obscure but ancient origin, the chief centre of whose cult was Mount Helicon in Boeotia, Greece. They were born in Pieria, at the foot of Mount Olympus . Very little is known of their cult, but they had a festival every four years at Thespiae, near Helicon, and a contest (Museia), presumably—or at least at first—in singing and playing. They probably were originally the patron goddesses of poets (who in early times were also musicians, providing their own accompaniments), although later their range was extended to include all liberal arts and sciences—hence, their connection with such institutions as the Museum (Mouseion, seat of the Muses) at Alexandria, Egypt. There were nine Muses as early as Homer’s Odyssey, and Homer invokes either a Muse or the Muses collectively from time to time.

Probably, to begin with, the Muses were one of those vague collections of deities, undifferentiated within the group, which are characteristic of certain, probably early, strata of Greek religion . The Muses, oil painting by Maurice Denis, 1893; in the National Museum … Courtesy of the Musee National d’Art Moderne, Paris; permission S.P.A.D.E.M. 1971, by French Reproduction Rights, Inc.; photograph, Marc Garanger Differentiation is a matter rather of mythological systematization than of cult and began with the 8th-century-bce poet Hesiod , who mentioned the names of Clio , Euterpe , Thalia , Melpomene , Terpsichore , Erato , Polymnia (Polyhymnia), Urania , and Calliope , who was their chief. Their father was Zeus , and their mother was Mnemosyne (“Memory”). Although Hesiod’s list became canonical in later times, it was not the only one; at both Delphi and Sicyon there were but three Muses, one of whom in the latter place bore the fanciful name Polymatheia (“Much Learning”).

All the Hesiodic names are significant; thus Clio is approximately the “Proclaimer,” Euterpe the “Well Pleasing,” Thalia the “Blooming,” or “Luxuriant,” Melpomene the “Songstress,” Erato the “Lovely,” Polymnia “She of the Many Hymns,” Urania the “Heavenly,” and Calliope “She of the Beautiful Voice.” Because dancing was a regular accompaniment of song , it is not remarkable that Hesiod called one of his nine “Delighting in the Dance,” Terpsichore. Similar Topics CALLIOPE (Kalliope) - Greek Goddess Muse of Epic Poetry Beautiful-Voiced Muse Calliope, Greco-Roman marble statue C2nd A.D., State Hermitage Museum KALLIOPE (Calliope) was the eldest of the Mousai (Muses), the goddesses of music, song and dance. She was also the goddess of eloquence, who bestowed her gift on kings and princes. In the Classical era, when the Muses were assigned specific artistic spheres, Kalliope was named Muse of epic poetry.

In this guise she was portrayed holding a tablet and stylus or a scroll. In older art she holds a lyre. Kalliope was the mother of the bard Orpheus. When her son was dismembered by the Bakkhantes (Bacchantes), she recovered his head and enshrined on the island of Lesbos. Her name means "beautiful-voiced" from the Greek words kallos and ops.

FAMILY OF CALLIOPE [1.1] ZEUS & MNEMOSYNE (Hesiod Theogony 75, Apollodorus 1.13, Diodorus Siculus 4.7.1, Orphic Hymn 76) [1.2] ZEUS (Alcman Frag, Hyginus Astronomica 2.7) OFFSPRING [1.1] ORPHEUS, LINOS (by Apollon ) (Apollodorus 1.15) [1.2] ) ORPHEUS (by Oiagros) (Pindar Dirges Frag 139, Bacchylides Frag 28, Apollodorus 1.15, Apollonius Rhodius 1.24, Hyginus Fabulae 14, Nonnus Dionysiaca 13.430) [1.3] ORPHEUS (Terpander Frag 15, Timotheus Frag 791, Pausanias 9.30.1, Philostratus Younger 11, Call

istratus 7) [1.3] IALMENOS (Pindar Dirges Frag 139) [1.4] LINOS (Suidas s.v.

Ailinos) [2.1] RHESOS (by Strymon ) (Apollodorus 1.18) [3.1] THE KORYBANTES (by Zeus ) (Strabo 10.3.19) CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES PARENTAGE OF CALLIOPE Hesiod, Theogony 75 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "The Mousai (Muses) sang who dwell on Olympos, nine daughters begotten by great Zeus, Kleio (Clio) and Euterpe, Thaleia (Thalia), Melpomene and Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), and Erato and Polymnia (Polyhymnia) and Ourania (Urania) and Kalliope (Calliope)." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 13 (trans.

Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Mnemosyne [bore to Zeus] the Mousai (Muses), the eldest of whom was Kalliope (Calliope), followed by Kleio (Clio), Melpomene, Euterpe, Erato, Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), Ourania (Urania), Thaleia (Thalia), and Polymnia." Orphic Hymn 76 to the Muses (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "Daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus . . .

Kleio (Clio), and Erato who charms the sight, with thee, Euterpe, ministering delight : Thalia flourishing, Polymnia famed, Melpomene from skill in music named : Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), Ourania (Urania) heavenly bright." CALLIOPE & HER SON ORPHEUS Muse Calliope, Athenian red-figure pyxis C5th B.C., Museum of Fine Arts Boston Homerica, Of the Origin of Homer & Hesiod & of their Contest, Fragment 1 (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic B.C.) : "And from Oiagros (Oeagrus) and Kalliope (Calliope) [was born] Orpheus." Pindar, Dirges Fragment 139 (trans. Sandys) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "The son of Oiagros (Oeagrus) [and Kalliope (Calloipe)], Orpheus of the golden sword." Terpander, Fragment 15 (from Timotheus, the Persians) (trans. Campbell, Vol.

Greek Lyric II) (Greek lyric C7th B.C.) : "Orpheus of the intricate music, son of Kalliope (Calliope)." Bacchylides, Fragment 28 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric IV) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "[Orpheus] the renowned son of Oiagros (Oeagrus) . . . child of the lovely-haired Mousa (Muse)." Timotheus, Fragment 791 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric V) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "Orpheus, Kalliope's (Calliope's) son, he of the intricate muse, was the first to beget the tortoise-shell lyre in Pieria." Aeschylus, Bassarae or Bassarides (lost play) (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.) : Aeschylus' lost play Bassarae described the death of Orpheus, son of Kalliope (Calliope).

Weir Smyth (L.C.L.) summarises evidence for the plot : "Eratosthenes, Catasterismoi, says of Orpheus that he paid no honour to Dionysos, but considered Helios (the Sun) to be the greatest of the gods and addressed him as Apollon; that, by making haste during the night, he reached at dawn the summit of Mt. Pangaios (Pangaeus), and waited there that he might see the rising of the sun; and that Dionysos, in his wrath, sent against him the Bassarides (as Aeschylus tells the story), who tore him to pieces and scattered his members, which were collected and buried by the Mousai (Muses) in Leibethra." Presumably Kalliope appeared towards the end of the play lamenting her son. Plato, The Republic 364d (trans.

Shorey) (Greek philosopher C4th B.C.) : "The [mystic] books of Musaios (Musaeus) and Orpheus, the offspring of Selene (Moon) and of the Mousa (Muse), as they affirm." [N.B. Both were mythic poets of the Orphic mysteries.] Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 14 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Kalliope (Calliope) and Oiagros (Oeagrus), though nominally it was Apollon, had as sons Linos (Linus), whom Herakles (Heracles) slew, and Orpheus, a professional citharist whose singing caused stones and trees to move." Muse Calliope on Helicon, Athenian red-figure lekythos C5th B.C., Staatliche Antikensammlungen Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 1. 24 ff (trans.

Rieu) (Greek epic C3rd B.C.) : "Orpheus, borne, so the story goes, by Kalliope (Calliope) herself to her Thrakian (Thracian) lover Oiagros (Oeagrus) near the heights of Pimplea. They say that with the music of his voice he enchanted stubborn mountain rocks and rushing streams." Pausanias, Description of Greece 9. 30. 1 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "[In the sanctuary of the Mousai (Muses) on Mount Helikon (Helicon) in Boiotia (Boeotia) :] The first images of the Mousai (Muses) are of them all, from the hand of Kephisodotos (Cephisodotus), while a little farther on are three, also from the hand of Kephisodotos, and three more by Strongylion . . . the remaining three were made by Olympiosthenes . . . by the side of Orpheus stands a statue of Telete, and around him are beasts of stone and bronze listening to his singing . . .

Orpheus was a son of the Mousa Kalliope (Muse Calliope) . . . the beasts followed him fascinated by his songs, and that he went down alive to Haides to ask for his wife from the gods below." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 3. 631 ff (trans. Way) (Greek epic C4th A.D.) : "[The Mousai (Muses) came to sing the dirge at the funeral of Akhilleus (Achilles) :] To Thetis spake Kalliope (Calliope), she in whose heart was steadfast wisdom throned : ‘From lamentation, Thetis, now forbear, and do not, in the frenzy of thy grief for thy lost son, provoke to wrath the Lord of Gods and men. Lo, even sons of Zeus, the Thunder-king, have perished, overborne by evil fate.

Immortal though I be, mine own son Orpheus died, whose magic song drew all the forest-trees to follow him, and every craggy rock and river-stream, and blasts of winds shrill-piping stormy-breathed, and birds that dart through air on rushing wings. yet I endured mine heavy sorrow : Gods ought not with anguished grief to vex their souls. Therefore make end of sorrow-stricken wail for thy brave child; for to the sons of earth minstrels shall chant his glory and his might, by mine and by my sisters' inspiration, unto the end of time. Let not thy soul be crushed by dark grief, nor do thou lament like those frail mortal women. Know'st thou not that round all men which dwell upon the earth hovereth irresistible deadly Aisa (Aesa, Fate), who recks not even of the Gods? Such power she only hath for heritage. Yea, she soon shall destroy gold-wealthy Priamos' (Priam's) town, and Trojans many and Argives doom to death, whomso she will.

No God can stay her hand.’ So in her wisdom spake Kalliope." Philostratus the Younger, Imagines 6 (trans. Fairbanks) (Greek rhetorician C3rd A.D.) : "That Orpheus, the son of the Mousa (Muse) [i.e. Kalliope (Calliope)], charmed by his music even creatures that have not the intelligence of man, all the writers of myth agree." Philostratus the Younger, Imagines 11 : "The man with erect tiara who sings in tune with the notes of his lyre . . . it is Orpheus, son of Kalliope (Callipe)." Callistratus, Descriptions 7 (trans.

Fairbanks) (Greek rhetorician C4th A.D.) : "On Helikon (Helicon)--the spot is a shaded precinct sacred to the Mousai (Muses)--near the torrent of the river Olmeios and the violet-dark spring of Pegasos (Pegasus), there stood beside the [statues of the] Mousai (Muses) a statue of Orpheus, the son of Kalliope (Calliope), a statue most beautiful to look upon . . . He was carrying the lyre, which was equipped with as many notes as the number of the Mousai." Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 14 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Orpheus son of Oeagrus and the Muse Calliope, from Thrace." Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 7 : "[Constellation] Lyre. The Lyre was put among the constellations for the following reason, as Eratosthenes [Greek writer C3rd B.C.] says . . .

Orpheus, son of Calliope and Oeagrus, who was passionately devoted to music. It is thought that by his skill he could charm even wild beasts to listen . . . When Orpheus was taking delight in song, seated, as many say, on Mount Olympus . . . Liber [Dionysos] is said to have roused the Bacchanals against him. They slew him and dismembered his body. But others say that this happened because he had looked on the rites of Liber. The Musae gathered the scattered limbs and gave them burial, and as the greatest favour they could confer, they put as a memorial his lyre, pictures with stars, among the constellations. Apollo and Jove [Zeus] consented, for Orpheus had praised Apollo highly, and Jupiter [Zeus] granted this favour to his daughter." Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 7 : "Some also have said that Venus [Aphrodite] and Proserpina [Persephone] came to Jove [Zeus] for his decision, asking him to which of them he would grant Adonis.

Calliope, the judge appointed by Jove, decided that each should posses him half of the year. But Venus [Aphrodite], angry because she had not been granted what she thought was her right, stirred the women in Thrace by love, each to seek Orpheus for herself, so that they tore him limb from limb. His head, carried down from the mountain into the sea, was cast by the waves upon the island of Lesbos. It was taken up and buried by the people of Lesbos, and in return for this kindness, they have the reputation of being exceedingly skilled in the art of music. The lyre, as we have said, was put by the Muses among the stars." Apollo and Muse Calliope, Athenian red-figure kylix C5th B.C., Museum of Fine Arts Boston Propertius, Elegies 2. 308 ff (trans.

Goold) (Roman elegy C1st B.C.) : "Nor need you address the maiden Musae (Muses) with awestruck lips : their company also knows what it means to love, if after all it is true that one of them [Kalliope (Calliope)] upon the rocks of Bistonia was once ravished by the semblance of Oeagrus." Cicero, De Natura Deorum 3. 18 (trans. Rackham) (Roman rhetorician C1st B.C.) : "What about the sons of goddesses? . . . [such as] Orpheus . . . whose mother was a Musa (Muse)." Seneca, Medea 625 ff (trans. Miller) (Roman tragedy C1st A.D.) : "That son [Orpheus] of the tuneful Camena [Muse], at whose sweet melodies the swift stream stood still and the winds were hushed, when the bird, leaving off its own singing, came near him, the whole wood following after." Statius, Silvae 2. 7. 36 (trans.

Mozley) (Roman poetry C1st A.D.) : "Calliope took him [a new-born poet] to her loving bosom. Then first did she lay aside her grief and cease her long lament for Orpheus, and said : ‘O boy, consecrate to poesy, soon destined to outmatch the bards of old, [but] thou shalt move no rivers or wild herds of Thracian ash-trees with thy music [as Orpheus did].’" Statius, Silvae 5. 3. 15 : "Their [the Muses'] queen herself sinks her head upon the silent lyre, as when after Orpheus' loss she halted by thy stream O Hebrus, and gazed at the troops of beasts that listened no more, and the woods that moved not since the strains were gone." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 13. 430 ff (trans.

Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : "He [Oiagros (Oeagrus)] left Orpheus on Kalliopeia's (Calliope's) knees, a little one interested in his mother's milk, still a new thing." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 22. 187 ff : "Oiagros (Oeagrus) . . . doing deeds that needed Kalliopeia (Calliope) his consort, to tell them." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 22. 322 ff : "His [Oiagros'] bride Kalliopeia (Calliope), mother of a noble son [Orpheus]." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 24. 77 ff : "[When the Indian River Hydaspes tried to drown him and the army of Dionysos :] Kalliope (Calliope) lifted Oiagros (Oeagrus) upon her shoulders." OTHER CHILDREN OF CALLIOPE Pindar, Dirges Fragment 139 (trans.

Sandys) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "But in another song did three goddesses [Mousai (Muses)] lull to rest the bodies of their sons . . . the third [Kalliope (Calliope)] sorrowed over Ialmenos (Ialmenus) [personification of the dirge], when his strength was stayed by the onset of a raging malady. But the son of Oiagros (Oeagrus) [and Kalliope (Calliope)], Orpheus of the golden sword." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 18 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "Euterpe, or Kalliope (Calliope), according to some, bore to the river Strymon Rhesos (Rhesus), whom Diomedes murdered at Troy." Strabo, Geography 10. 3. 19 (trans. Jones) (Greek geographer C1st B.C.

to C1st A.D.) : "Others say that the Korybantes (Corybantes) [of Samothrake (Samothrace)] were sons of Zeus and Kalliope (Calliope) and were identical with the Kabeiroi (Cabiri), and that these went off to Samothrake, which in earlier times was called Melite, and that their rites were mystical." Suidas s.v. Ailinos (trans. Suda On Line) (Byzantine Greek lexicon C10th A.D.) : "Ailinon (mournful, plaintive) : It is [used] equally to refer to a dirge and to refer to a hymn; from Ailinos (Aiilinus) the [son] of Kalliope (Calliope)." CALLIOPE GODDESS OF EPIC POETRY & ELOQUENCE Muse Calliope and Apollo, Athenian red-figure kylix C5th B.C., Victoria and Albert Museum Hesiod, Theogony 75 ff (trans.

Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "Kalliope (Calliope), who is the chiefest of them all [the Mousai (Muses)], for she attends on worshipful princes: whomsoever of heaven-nourished princes the daughters of great Zeus honour, and behold him at his birth, they pour sweet dew upon his tongue, and from his lips flow gracious words. All the people look towards him while he settles causes with true judgements: and he, speaking surely, would soon make wise end even of a great quarrel; for therefore are there princes wise in heart, because when the people are being misguided in their assembly, they set right the matter again with ease, persuading them with gentle words. And when he passes through a gathering, they greet him as a god with gentle reverence, and he is conspicuous amongst the assembled: such is the holy gift of the Mousai (Muses) to men." Alcman, Fragment (trans. Campbell, Vol.

Greek Lyric II) (Greek lyric C7th B.C.) : "Come Moisa (Muse), Kalliope (Calliope), daughter of Zeus, begin the lovely verses; set desire on the song and make the choral dance graceful." Stesichorus, Fragment 240 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric III) (C7th to 6th B.C.) : "Come hither, clear-voiced Kallopeia (Calliope)." Stesichorus, Fragment 275 : "Excellent Kalliope (Calliope), admired for your poetry and songs." Bacchylides, Fragment 5 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric IV) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "White-armed Kalliope (Calliope), halt your well-made chariot here: sing in praise of . .

." Bacchylides, Fragment 19 : "Countless paths of ambrosial verses lie open for him who obtains gifts from the Pierian Mousai (Muses) and whose songs are clothed with honour by the violet-eyed maidens, the garland-bearing Kharites (Charites, Graces). Weave, then, in lovely blessed Athens a new fabric, renowned Kean (Cean) fantasy: you must travel by the finest road, since you have obtained from Kalliope (Calliope) a surpulative prize." Plato, Phaedrus 259 (trans. Fowler) (Greek philosopher C4th B.C.) : "When they [the grasshoppers] die they go and inform the Mousai (Muses) in heaven who honours them on earth. They win the love of Terpsikhore (Terpsichore) for the dancers by their report of them; . . .

of Kalliope (Calliope) the eldest Mousa (Muse) and of Ourania (Urania) who is next to her, for the philosophers, of whose music the grasshoppers make report to them; for these are the Mousai who are chiefly concerned with heaven and thought, divine as well as human, and they have the sweetest utterance." Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 7. 1 (trans.

Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) : "Hesiod even gives their [the Mousai's (Muses')] names when he writes: ‘Kleio (Clio), Euterpe, and Thaleia, Melpomene, Terpsikhore (Terpsichore) and Erato, and Polymnia, Ourania (Urania), Kalliope (Calliope) too, of them all the most comely.’ To each of the Mousai (Muses) men assign her special aptitude for one of the branches of the liberal arts, such as poetry, song, pantomimic dancing, the round dance with music, the study of the stars, and the other liberal arts . . . For the name of each Mousa (Muse), they say, men have found a reason appropriate to her . . . Kalliope (Calliope), because of her beautiful (kale) voice (ops), that is, by reason of the exceeding beauty of her language she wins the approbation of her auditors." Philostratus the Younger, Imagines 13 (trans.

Fairbanks) (Greek rhetorician C3rd A.D.) : "The gifts of the gods are not to be rejected, as you no doubt know, since you have heard it from one of the devotees of Kalliope (Calliope) [i.e. the epic poets]." Ovid, Fasti 5. 79 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "Then with ivy twining her neglected hair, Calliope began [the song], first of her group . . . She, too, had ended; her faction roared their support. What to do? All the parties are equal. May the Pierides [Muses] smile on me equally, and I extol none of them more or less." Propertius, Elegies 3. 3 (trans. Goold) (Roman elegy C1st B.C.) : "The nine Maidens [Muses], each allotted her own realm, busy their tender hands on their separate gifts . . .

Then from their number one of the goddesses laid her hand on me (by her looks I think it was Calliope) : ‘You will always be happy to ride on snow-white swans; no galloping hooves of the war-horse will call you to arms. Be it no concern of yours to sound the martial summons on the blaring trumpet or stain with bloody warfare the groves of Helicon . . . For you will sing of garlanded lovers at another's threshold and the tipsy tokens of midnight vigil, so that he who would artfully outwit stern husbands may learns from you how to charm forth a locked-up woman.’ Thus Calliope, and taking water from the spring she moistened my lips with draughts [from the spring of Hippokrene (Hippocrene) on Mount Helikon] that once Philitas drank." Propertius, Elegies 3. 2 : "The Musae (Muses) are my friends, my poems are dear to the reader, and Calliope never wearies of dancing to my rhythms." Propertius, Elegies 4.

6 : "I shall tell, O Musa (Muse), of Apollo's temple on the Palatine : Calliope, the theme is worthy of your favour. My songs are sung for Caesar's glory: while Caesar is being sung, do even you pray attend, Jupiter [Zeus]!" Statius, Thebaid 4. 32 ff (trans. Mozley) (Roman epic C1st A.D.) : "Thou, Calliope, queen of the groves of song, uplift thy lyre and begin the tale." Statius, Silvae 2. 7. 36 (trans. Mozley) (Roman poetry C1st A.D.) : "Straightway, while yet a new-born babe he [the poet] drawled and with earliest accents sweetly whimpered, Calliope took him to her loving bosom.

Then first did she lay aside her grief and cease her long lament for Orpheus, and said: ‘O boy, consecrate to poesy, soon destined to outmatch the bards of old, thou shalt move no rivers or wild herds of Thracian ash-trees with thy music, but with eloquent son shalt draw after thee the seven hills of Martian Tiber [Rome].’" ANCIENT GREEK & ROMAN ART Erato *** Information about Erato, the Muse of Lyric and Love Poetry Erato was one of the young, beautiful maidens referred to as the Nine Muses. The nine Muses were the daughters of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. The names of the nine Muses were Clio, Thalia, Erato, Euterpe, Polyhymnia, Calliope, Terpsichore, Urania and Melpomene. Erato and her sisters were believed to reside above the golden clouds that covered sacred the Greek mountain peaks above the summits of Mounts Olympus, Helicon, Parnassus, and Pindus.

They entertained and joined the Olympian gods in their feasts drinking water, milk, and honey, but never wine. The sisters were originally the patron goddesses of poets and musicians but over time their roles extended to include comedy, tragedy, history, poetry, music, dancing, singing, rhetoric, sacred hymns, and harmony. Erato was the Muse of Lyric and Love Poetry. Picture of the Nine Muses Erato, the Muse of Lyric and Love Poetry The ancient Greeks were great writers of lyric and love poetry. Greek lyric is occasional poetry which was composed for public, or private performance, by a soloist or chorus to mark particular occasions. Greek lyric poems were composed to celebrate athletic and military victories, commemorate the dead and offer religious devotion in the forms of hymns. The most famous lyric poets of Ancient Greece are referredto as the 'Nine Melic Poets' consisting of Alcaeus, Alcman, Anacreon, Bacchylides, Ibycus, Pindar, Sappho, Simonides, and Stesichorus. Traditionally, a lyric or love poet would invoke the aid of Erato, the muse of lyric poetry to guide and assist him in his work.

The invocation took the form of a prayer for divine inspiration from the goddess. Facts and pictures of Erato, the Muse of Lyric and Love Poetry The following fact file contains pictures of this Greek goddess and Muse and details her symbols and attributes. Facts, Pictures and Symbols of Erato Facts about Erato Erato was the Muse who represented and was the patron of Lyric and Love Poetry Also the muse of marriage songs She was the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne She was described as beautiful, passionate and erotic Her symbol was a Cithara , a type of lyre She was also depicted with turtle doves and golden arrows representing love Occasionally she was accompanied by the god Eros , who was pictured holding a torch. Picture of Erato Facts, Pictures and Symbols of Erato Astrology - The Asteroid Muse In Astrology there are nine asteroids named after each of the nine Greek muses. The discovery of the asteroid is credited to co-discoverers, Oskar Lesser and Wilhelm Forster, who discovered it on September 14, 1860 from the Berlin Observatory. The name was chosen by Johann Franz Encke, director of the observatory, and refers to Erato, the Muse of lyric poetry in Greek mythology.

Erato in Greek Mythology The muse and goddess Erato was not only gifted as an inspiration of Lyric and Love Poetry but, like all nymphs possessed the gift of prophecy. The mountain spring on Mount Parnassus was sacred to Erato and the other Muses. The mountain spring flowed between two high rocks above the city of Delphi, and in ancient times its sacred waters were introduced into a square stone basin, where they were retained for the use of the Pythia, the priests, priestesses and the oracle of Apollo . Apollo and the Nine Muses The Powers of Erato and the Muses Although the Muses were generally believed to be a source of inspiration and of help to mortals they were also vain and arrogant and severely resented any mortals who questioned their supremacy in the arts. The powers of Erato and her sisters were considerable. As goddesses, they were immortal and any mortals that were blessed by the Muses, could use the beauty of their song, or the grace of their dance, to heal the sick and provide comfort to the heartbroken.

They also possessed the magical power of transformation and in one of the ancient myths nine sisters referred to as the Pierides challenged Erato and the other Muses to a contest. The Muses won and then turned the Pierides into chattering birds. Erato the Muse Facts about the Muse of Lyric and Love Poetry Images and Pictures Educational resource for schools, kids and children Facts and information about the ancient Greek Goddess and Muse for schools and kids The Muse of Lyric and Love Poetry Pictures and Fact File

Question: ln Greek myth who is the muse of love poetry?
Answer: Erato